Chapter 202
Two days later.
Caroline, dressed in a plain-colored dress, holding flowers and a small birthday cake, appeared alone at Whispering Oaks Cemetery. Today was her mother's birthday, and Caroline had specially taken half a day off from the crew to spend a special birthday with her mother.
She placed the small cake in front of the grave, lit the candles, and arranged the offerings she had brought.
"Mom, happy birthday. I'm here to celebrate your birthday with you. You worked hard for the family all your life and never had a proper birthday celebration. I was unfilial and always forgot your birthday before. I'm really sorry." Caroline knelt in front of the tombstone, tears streaming down her face.
In the photo on the tombstone, her mother still maintained that warm smile, as if comforting her, telling her not to be sad.
At this moment, she heard footsteps behind her.
Startled, Caroline turned around and saw Joseph walking towards her with flowers in his hand.
"Carol, today is your mom's birthday, so I came to pay my respects too," Joseph said.
Although she felt a bit touched, Caroline found it strange. How did he know her mother's birthday?
Joseph seemed to sense Caroline's doubt. "We used to celebrate her birthday together, remember? I even had dinner at your house, and she made a lot of delicious food."
"Really? I don't quite remember," Caroline responded, puzzled.
Even so, Caroline was grateful that he still remembered her mother's birthday. Her previous dissatisfaction with him also lessened considerably.
Joseph placed the flowers in front of the grave and softly said, "Daisy, happy birthday. I hope you're doing well in heaven. I'll take good care of Carol and won't let her suffer."
This made Caroline feel a bit awkward. Who asked him to take care of her? However, she didn't voice it out.
After paying their respects, the two left the cemetery together.
"Carol, how about we grab a meal together? I've always wanted to chat with you, but you never have time," Joseph invited.
Caroline initially wanted to refuse, but since she had something to tell him, she nodded and agreed. They headed to a nearby restaurant.
Joseph had already booked a private room and prepared dishes that Caroline liked.
"Today is your mom's birthday. Let's toast to her in heaven first," Joseph said, pouring three glasses of wine, one for Daisy.
They clinked glasses and drank.
"I have to take care of the kids later, so I can't drink anymore," Caroline said.
"How can you say that? This glass is for your mother. You have to drink it, or she won't be happy in heaven," Joseph insisted.
Reluctantly, Caroline drank the glass.
Joseph poured another glass. "This one is for you. I wish you success in your career, your new show to be a hit, and for you to become a famous star!"
"I really can't drink anymore," Caroline quickly refused.
"Just this one, for old times' sake. It's not too much to ask, is it?" Joseph continued to persuade.
Seeing his sincerity today, Caroline hesitated for a moment and finally drank the second glass.
But she refused to drink the third glass no matter what.
"I have things to do and can't drink anymore. You drink more yourself," Caroline said firmly.
Joseph didn't insist, just smiled and said, "Then eat more. These are all your favorite dishes."
After a few bites, Caroline felt dizzy. Maybe it was because she was in a bad mood and drank on an empty stomach, but she felt drunk.
"I need to go home. I don't feel well," Caroline said, holding her head.
"Let me take you home. You're really not in good shape today and get drunk easily."
"No, I'll just take a cab," Caroline said, standing up to leave.
But as soon as she took a step, she stumbled.
Seeing this, Joseph's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile. "It seems you're really drunk. Let me take you home," he said, supporting Caroline.
Caroline tried to break free, but she was too weak. Joseph almost half-carried her to the car, then drove to a hotel where he had already booked a room and took her inside.
At this moment, a masked man took out a camera and started taking photos from a professional angle. Caroline was unconscious, but in the photos, her arm was around Joseph, making it look like they were having sex.
"Take off her clothes and take some more provocative shots," the photographer suggested.
Joseph hesitated. "That's not appropriate, is it?"
"Don't you want to have her? The opportunity is right in front of you."
"I don't want to do it this way. She'll hate me when she wakes up."
"Do you think she'll forgive you for what you're doing now?"
Joseph insisted on his stance. "This is enough. I don't think we need to go too far."
He knew Caroline's character. If he went any further, she would definitely retaliate when she woke up. Moreover, she had the Kennedy family backing her. He had already suffered twice and couldn't afford to dig his own grave.
"That's it. I don't want to do this. She's been my friend since childhood. I can't let her hate me," Joseph finally refused the suggestion.
"You'll regret this. This is your best chance."
"No, I don't want to do it," Joseph shook his head again.
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